Ventilated Prosthesis System with Modular Spacer for Swelling Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic sockets for residual limbs are bulky, cumbersome, and lack ventilation, making them uncomfortable and difficult to don, and they do not account for swelling, with limited options available for new amputees.
Innovation Solution
A ventilated prosthesis system with a lightweight, streamlined design that includes a ventilated shell and a compliant spacer element with a frictional feature, allowing for adjustable settings and easy donning, and can be used as a temporary or transition socket before a custom-fitted socket is created.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional prosthetic sockets are used, then structural support and fit are provided, but the sockets become bulky and cumbersome to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis system is divided into separate modular components including a shell, spacer element, and connector that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows for a more compact and wearable design while maintaining structural support through the coordinated function of individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell is designed as a thin-walled structure that provides sufficient structural support while minimizing bulk. The flexible nature of the shell allows it to conform to the residual limb while maintaining strength, making the prosthesis easier to wear.
2Strength
If traditional prosthetic sockets are used, then support is provided, but they are difficult to don
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the prosthesis into modular components (shell, spacer, connector), the system can be assembled step-by-step during donning, making the process easier compared to putting on a single monolithic socket while maintaining necessary support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis system allows for dynamic adjustment of components during the donning process and while wearing, enabling easier insertion and adaptation to the residual limb compared to fixed traditional sockets.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional prosthetic sockets are used, then fit is provided, but they make the residual limb uncomfortable due to lack of ventilation
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element and shell incorporate ventilated or porous structures that allow air circulation through the prosthesis system. This maintains the precise fit needed for comfort while enabling ventilation to prevent overheating and improve overall comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin-walled shell design allows for better heat and moisture transfer from the residual limb to the environment, improving ventilation and comfort while maintaining the necessary structural fit through the shell's geometric design.
4Manufacturing precision
If permanent prosthetic sockets are used, then custom fit is achieved, but they do not account for swelling of the residual limb
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis system is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the shell and spacer element to be reconfigured as the residual limb swells or changes size. This dynamic adaptability maintains custom fit while accommodating swelling, unlike permanent sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for changes in dimensional parameters of the shell and spacer element to accommodate varying limb sizes and swelling. This enables the prosthesis to adapt to different residual limb configurations while maintaining a custom fit.
5Strength
If traditional prosthetic sockets are used, then long-term support is provided, but they require time to be constructed and have limited options for new amputees
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design allows for faster assembly and customization of the prosthesis system. Individual components can be pre-fabricated and then quickly assembled, reducing overall construction time while maintaining the long-term support capabilities of traditional sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic and adjustable nature of the prosthesis system allows for rapid customization to fit different residual limbs without requiring time-consuming custom manufacturing processes, enabling faster provision of support for new amputees.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides improved comfort and ventilation, is easy to wear, and can accommodate varying degrees of swelling, offering a versatile and customizable solution for amputees.
Implementation Method 1
The spacer element serves as a buffer between the shell and the residual limb. The spacer element forms a tubular liner having a closed distal end and an open proximal end.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthesis system including a ventilated shell, and a substantially compliant, ventilated spacer element that defines a first surface having a frictional feature. The spacer element is arranged to secure to an internal surface of the shell. The prosthesis system also includes a connector that is secured to a distal end of the shell, and a retainer supported by the connector so as to extend into a cavity formed by the shell.